Question: Which team has the worst road record in the majors? Step to the front if you said the defending world champion Royals. They have dropped 34 of their 51 away games and have just about faded from playoff contention trailing the Indians by 10 games in the AL Central.

This is another bad road matchup for Kansas City with Ian Kennedy going against Martin Perez.

Kennedy has been a major disappointment. He is 0-3 with a 6.90 ERA this month. Kansas City is 2-8 with Kennedy on the mound since June. Kennedy, a flyball pitcher, is especially vulnerable at this ballpark on a hot, muggy night where the ball can really carry. Heavy trade rumors haven't helped Kennedy's mental state. He is 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA lifetime against the Rangers in three starts.

Perez has been going through a tough stretch, too, but he pitches much better in Arlington where he is 6-1 with a 2.69 ERA. Only one of Perez's last five starts have been at home. The Rangers have won the last six times the lefty has pitched at home and are 21-8 in Perez's last 29 starts versus opponents with a losing record. The Royals have lost the last five times they've faced a lefty starter.